Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Colorado
If you’re dealing with intense emotions or patterns that are tough to break, therapy can help. At Drift Behavioral Health, we offer evidence-based care like DBT to help you build stability and move forward.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical behavior therapy is a type of behavioral therapy that teaches people how to manage emotions, handle stress, and improve relationships. It combines tools from cognitive-behavioral therapy with mindfulness and acceptance skills to help people stay calm and make healthier choices.
DBT was created in the late 1980s by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). Today, it’s also used to support people with PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use, and eating disorders. Research shows it works well for managing strong emotions and building better coping habits.
DBT vs. CBT
DBT and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are closely related. Both are structured and goal-focused, and both help you change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns.
The difference is that DBT adds mindfulness, emotional regulation, and acceptance into the process. It’s especially helpful for people who feel emotions deeply and have trouble staying balanced during stress. If CBT helps reframe your thoughts, DBT helps you stay grounded when emotions take over.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy Used For?
At Drift, we use DBT to support people dealing with emotional regulation, mental health conditions, and substance use. It’s especially helpful if your emotions feel too big or hard to manage.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for BPD
Borderline personality disorder often involves intense emotions, unstable relationships, and fear of abandonment. DBT is considered the gold standard for treating BPD because it helps people build emotional stability, feel more in control, and improve relationships.
Other conditions DBT is used for include:
- Depression and anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance use disorders
- Eating disorders
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
- Mood and personality disorders
How Does DBT Work?
DBT helps people build the skills to manage emotions and handle stress without reacting in ways that cause harm. It’s about learning how to sit with discomfort, respond thoughtfully, and stay connected to your values, even in difficult moments.
DBT Techniques
Core techniques used in DBT include mindfulness, emotional validation, distress tolerance, and behavior tracking. These tools help you stay calm, understand what you’re feeling, and choose better ways to respond.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills
In DBT, you’ll learn skills that support you in therapy and in everyday life.
Emotion Regulation
Helps you name, understand, and manage emotions without feeling overwhelmed.
Distress Tolerance
Offers tools to get through emotional crises without making things worse. Includes grounding, distraction, and radical acceptance.
Mindfulness
Teaches you to notice your thoughts and feelings without acting on them right away.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
Builds skills for assertiveness, boundary-setting, and handling conflict calmly and clearly.
Radical Acceptance
Helps you stop fighting reality and start moving forward by accepting what’s out of your control.
Get Expert DBT Therapy at Drift Behavioral Health
Drift Behavioral Health offers DBT from trained professionals who get what it’s like to feel emotionally overwhelmed. Our trauma-informed care meets you where you are and helps you take steady steps forward. Whether you’re working through trauma, managing BPD, or just trying to feel more stable, we’re here with the right tools and support.
What to Expect from DBT Treatment
DBT at Drift includes weekly one-on-one therapy, DBT group skills sessions, and support between appointments. You’ll start by setting goals, learn skills that match your needs, and use them in real life with your therapist’s help.
Our Outpatient DBT Programs in Colorado Springs
We offer flexible DBT therapy through outpatient programs, both in person and virtually. Every option includes access to individual sessions, DBT group therapy, and medication support.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A full-day, 5–6 day program that offers DBT, therapy, and wellness support in a structured setting.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
A part-time program with 3–5 days per week of focused DBT therapy that fits into your weekly routine.
Telehealth Therapy Program
Attend DBT therapy online from the comfort of home. Includes virtual sessions, medication management, and at-home support.
Start DBT Today at Drift Behavioral Health
You deserve therapy that makes a difference. DBT can help you stay steady when life feels out of control. At Drift Behavioral Health, we’ll guide you through treatment with care, clarity, and respect. Reach out now to get started with DBT and feel more confident, capable, and calm.
FAQs
Is DBT the best treatment for borderline personality disorder?
Yes. DBT is the most trusted and well-studied therapy for BPD.
Can I do DBT by myself?
Some DBT skills can be practiced on your own, but therapy offers structure, guidance, and accountability that make a big difference.
How to control my emotions?
DBT teaches you how to notice emotions early, regulate your reactions, and make choices that line up with your values.
What is a behavioral framework?
It’s a structured way to understand how your thoughts, feelings, and actions work together, and how to shift them.
How do I make a DBT therapy appointment?
You can call Drift Behavioral Health or fill out our contact form to get started. Our team will help you schedule a consultation and answer any questions.
